Lawrence University
Encyclopedia
Lawrence University is a selective, private liberal arts college
with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, in Appleton
, Wisconsin
. Lawrence University is known for its rigorous academic environment. Founded in 1847, the first classes were held on November 12, 1849. Lawrence was the second college in the United States
to be founded as a coeducational institution.
The 84 acres (34 ha) campus is located in downtown Appleton, divided into two parts by the Fox River. The academic campus is on the north shore of Fox River, and the major athletic facilities (including the 5000-seat Banta Bowl) are on the northeast shore. Lawrence University also has a 425 acres (172 ha) northern estate called Björklunden
(full name: Björklunden vid sjön), which serves as a site for retreats, seminars, concerts, and theatrical performances. It also contains a chapel for weddings. Donald and Winifred Boynton of Highland Park
, Illinois
, donated the property in Door County
to Lawrence in 1963.
The student newspaper, The Lawrentian
, has a history of over a century of publications. Lawrence University hosts the Great Midwest Trivia Contest
, webcast every January over the college radio station, WLFM
.
Lawrence University is part of the Oberlin Group
, a consortium of liberal arts college libraries.
, using $10,000 provided by philanthropist
Amos Adams Lawrence
, and matched by the Methodist church. Both founders were ordained Methodist ministers
, but Lawrence was Episcopalian. The school was originally named Lawrence Institute in its 1847 charter from the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature, but was changed to Lawrence University before classes began in November 1849. Its oldest extant building, Main Hall
, was built in 1853. Lawrence University was Wisconsin’s first co-educational university.
Lawrence's first period of major growth came during the tenure of alumnus
Samuel G. Plantz
as president. From 1894 to 1924, when Plantz presided over the school, its student body grew from 200 to 800.
During World War II
, Lawrence College was one of 131 colleges and universities nationally that took part in the V-12 Navy College Training Program
which offered students a path to a Navy commission.
From 1913 until 1964, the school was named Lawrence College, to emphasize its small size and liberal arts
education focus. The name was changed to Lawrence University when it merged with Milwaukee-Downer College
. The state of Wisconsin then purchased the Milwaukee-Downer property and buildings to expand the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Initially, the university designated two entities: Lawrence College for Men and Downer College for Women. This separation has not lasted in any material form, though degrees are still conferred "on the recommendation of the Faculty of Lawrence and Downer Colleges" and the university by-laws still make the distinction. The Lawrence Dean of Women was referred to as the "Dean of Downer", but when the offices of Dean of Men and Dean of Women were merged to form the Dean of Students, the substantive duties of the "Dean of Downer" came to an end; the title is still borne by a senior female professor, but her only duty is to carry the Downer Mace in academic processions.
The Lawrence Conservatory of Music, usually referred to as "the Con", was founded in 1894. The university confers a Bachelor of Music
degree and offers a five-year program leading to a Bachelor of Arts
in addition to the music
degree.
Lawrence University originated the idea of freshman studies
. Freshman Studies at Lawrence is a mandatory two-term class, in which all students study the same selected 11 classic works of literature, art, and music. President Nathan M. Pusey
is credited with initiating the program in 1945, although Professor Waples chaired the Freshman Studies Committee and was responsible for implementing the program. The program continues to this day, despite being temporarily suspended in 1974, and has been adapted by many liberal arts colleges.
In 2010, Forbes
ranked Lawrence 50th on the list of America's (600) Best Colleges, which combined national research universities, liberal arts colleges, and military academies in a single survey Lawrence is ranked 60th on the U.S. News: List of Best U.S. National Liberal Arts Colleges (the rank was 40 in 2000, 53 in 2006, 59 in 2009, 67 in 2010). Lawrence is included in Loren Pope
's, Colleges That Change Lives
.
In 2005 Lawrence University initiated a capital campaign called "More Light!", which aimed at raising $150 million. By October 2011 the college has raised $160,272,839, with the conclusion event held on October 28th, 2011.
The traditions and heritage of Milwaukee-Downer are woven into the Appleton campus, from the grove of hawthorn
trees (called Hawthornden) between Brokaw and Colman halls, to the sundial
on the back of Main Hall
, to the bestowing upon each class a class color and banner.
When the University had separate offices for a "Dean of Women" and a "Dean of Men", the officer overseeing women students was called the "Dean of Downer." That title is still borne by the senior woman on the faculty, but her only duty now is carrying the Downer mace in academic processions. For many years the women's choir was called the Downer Chorus. At one time the BA was conferred upon women in the name of "Downer College of Lawrence University" and upon men in the name of "Lawrence College of Lawrence University"; now all B.A. degrees are conferred in the name of "Lawrence & Downer Colleges of Lawrence University." (The B.Mus. degree is from "the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music.)
Lawrence University operates on a trimester
calendar. The academic year runs from mid-September to mid-June.
The student/faculty ratio at Lawrence is 9:1.
Lawrence grants Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees, with a double degree
possible. Lawrence offers a number of cooperative degree programs in areas such as engineering
, health sciences and environmental studies
.
The college has major programs in most of the liberal arts
. The school also offers the option of interdisciplinary areas of study and allows students to design their own majors. All students are required to take Freshman Studies, which introduces students to broad areas of study and provides a common academic experience for the college.
The school has an independent study option that allows students to design their own courses. This allows students to explore academic interests not covered by Lawrence’s classes or to explore topics more deeply. Over 90% of the students take advantage of the independent study program.
In 2005, Lawrence University began the Lawrence Fellows Program, initially selecting eight recent Ph.D.s to teach and carry out research at Lawrence for a period of two to three years. This program seeks to develop the liberal arts faculty of the future.
In the mid-1980s the physics department built a $330,000 small laser laboratory (known as the "laser palace"), which includes 800 5 mW small lasers and more than 500 mirrors.
The Lawrence Conservatory regularly receives national recongnition for the excellence of its student ensembles and individual musicians.
Peabody Hall of Music (20th century),
Hamar Union (1960)
Underwood Observatory (1962),
Alexander Gym I (1962),
Carnegie Library (1964),
Worcester Art Center (1987),
Stephenson Hall of Science (1998),
Hulbert House (2004),
s. About 25% of students study in the conservatory of music.
82-81 in overtime at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash.
In 2011 Lawremces men's cross country team won the Midwest Conference Championships for the first time since 1985, beating Grinell college and ending their 14 year winning streak.
Liberal arts colleges in the United States
Liberal arts colleges in the United States are certain undergraduate institutions of higher education in the United States. The Encyclopædia Britannica Concise offers a definition of the liberal arts as a "college or university curriculum aimed at imparting general knowledge and developing general...
with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, in Appleton
Appleton, Wisconsin
Appleton is a city in Outagamie, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It is situated on the Fox River, 30 miles southwest of Green Bay and 100 miles north of Milwaukee. Appleton is the county seat of Outagamie County. The population was 78,086 at the 2010 census...
, Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
. Lawrence University is known for its rigorous academic environment. Founded in 1847, the first classes were held on November 12, 1849. Lawrence was the second college in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
to be founded as a coeducational institution.
The 84 acres (34 ha) campus is located in downtown Appleton, divided into two parts by the Fox River. The academic campus is on the north shore of Fox River, and the major athletic facilities (including the 5000-seat Banta Bowl) are on the northeast shore. Lawrence University also has a 425 acres (172 ha) northern estate called Björklunden
Björklunden
Björklunden is the northern campus of Lawrence University. The estate is on Lake Michigan in Door County, Wisconsin, just south of Baileys Harbor. The landscape covers meadows, woods, and over a mile of Lake Michigan shoreline....
(full name: Björklunden vid sjön), which serves as a site for retreats, seminars, concerts, and theatrical performances. It also contains a chapel for weddings. Donald and Winifred Boynton of Highland Park
Highland Park, Illinois
Highland Park is a suburban municipality in Lake County, Illinois, United States, about north of downtown Chicago. As of 2009, the population is 33,492. Highland Park is one of several municipalities located on the North Shore of the Chicago Metropolitan Area.-Overview:Highland Park was founded...
, Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
, donated the property in Door County
Door County, Wisconsin
Door County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 27,961. Its county seat is Sturgeon Bay. Door County is a popular vacation and tourist destination, especially for residents of Wisconsin and Illinois....
to Lawrence in 1963.
The student newspaper, The Lawrentian
The Lawrentian
The Lawrentian is the campus newspaper of Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. The paper, first published in 1884, comes out once per week while school is in session...
, has a history of over a century of publications. Lawrence University hosts the Great Midwest Trivia Contest
Great Midwest Trivia Contest
The Great Midwest Trivia Contest, or Midwest Trivia Contest, is held each year in Appleton, Wisconsin, broadcast over Lawrence University's radio station, WLFM. It has a claim as the longest-running college bowl trivia contest. Beginning with Trivia XLI in 2006, the contest went to a webcast-only...
, webcast every January over the college radio station, WLFM
WLFM
WLFM is currently only an internet radio station, previously having been the first FM college radio station in Northeastern Wisconsin. It is owned and operated by Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. The station is dedicated to independent music of all genres, and is entirely student...
.
Lawrence University is part of the Oberlin Group
Oberlin Group
The Oberlin Group is an "informal consortium of the libraries of approximately 80 selective liberal arts colleges in the United States. The group developed as a result of conferences held in 1984-85 at Oberlin College when the presidents of 50 colleges met to discuss the role of science...
, a consortium of liberal arts college libraries.
History
Lawrence's first president, William Harkness Sampson founded the school with Henry R. ColmanHenry R. Colman
Henry R. Colman was a Wisconsin pioneer and co-founder of Lawrence University, in Appleton, Wisconsin.-Family:He was the father of four children: Charles, born 1826, Henry, born 1834, Elihu, born 1841, and Julia....
, using $10,000 provided by philanthropist
Philanthropist
A philanthropist is someone who engages in philanthropy; that is, someone who donates his or her time, money, and/or reputation to charitable causes...
Amos Adams Lawrence
Amos Adams Lawrence
Amos Adams Lawrence , the son of famed philanthropist Amos Lawrence, was a key figure in the United States abolition movement in the years leading up to the Civil War, and instrumental in the establishment of the University of Kansas and Lawrence University in Appleton,...
, and matched by the Methodist church. Both founders were ordained Methodist ministers
Minister of religion
In Christian churches, a minister is someone who is authorized by a church or religious organization to perform functions such as teaching of beliefs; leading services such as weddings, baptisms or funerals; or otherwise providing spiritual guidance to the community...
, but Lawrence was Episcopalian. The school was originally named Lawrence Institute in its 1847 charter from the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature, but was changed to Lawrence University before classes began in November 1849. Its oldest extant building, Main Hall
Main Hall (Lawrence University)
Main Hall is an academic building on the campus of Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. Constructed in 1853, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974....
, was built in 1853. Lawrence University was Wisconsin’s first co-educational university.
Lawrence's first period of major growth came during the tenure of alumnus
Alumnus
An alumnus , according to the American Heritage Dictionary, is "a graduate of a school, college, or university." An alumnus can also be a former member, employee, contributor or inmate as well as a former student. In addition, an alumna is "a female graduate or former student of a school, college,...
Samuel G. Plantz
Samuel G. Plantz
Samuel G. Plantz was a Methodist minister and seventh president of Lawrence University.He was born in Gloversville, New York on June 13, 1859, second child of James and Elsie Ann Plantz. He was raised in Emerald Grove, Rock Co, Wisconsin. He attended Milton College, and received his Bachelor of...
as president. From 1894 to 1924, when Plantz presided over the school, its student body grew from 200 to 800.
During World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, Lawrence College was one of 131 colleges and universities nationally that took part in the V-12 Navy College Training Program
V-12 Navy College Training Program
The V-12 Navy College Training Program was designed to supplement the force of commissioned officers in the United States Navy during World War II...
which offered students a path to a Navy commission.
From 1913 until 1964, the school was named Lawrence College, to emphasize its small size and liberal arts
Liberal arts
The term liberal arts refers to those subjects which in classical antiquity were considered essential for a free citizen to study. Grammar, Rhetoric and Logic were the core liberal arts. In medieval times these subjects were extended to include mathematics, geometry, music and astronomy...
education focus. The name was changed to Lawrence University when it merged with Milwaukee-Downer College
Milwaukee-Downer College
Milwaukee-Downer College was a women's college, later a normal school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.-History:...
. The state of Wisconsin then purchased the Milwaukee-Downer property and buildings to expand the campus of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Initially, the university designated two entities: Lawrence College for Men and Downer College for Women. This separation has not lasted in any material form, though degrees are still conferred "on the recommendation of the Faculty of Lawrence and Downer Colleges" and the university by-laws still make the distinction. The Lawrence Dean of Women was referred to as the "Dean of Downer", but when the offices of Dean of Men and Dean of Women were merged to form the Dean of Students, the substantive duties of the "Dean of Downer" came to an end; the title is still borne by a senior female professor, but her only duty is to carry the Downer Mace in academic processions.
The Lawrence Conservatory of Music, usually referred to as "the Con", was founded in 1894. The university confers a Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Music is an academic degree awarded by a college, university, or conservatory upon completion of program of study in music. In the United States, it is a professional degree; the majority of work consists of prescribed music courses and study in applied music, usually requiring a...
degree and offers a five-year program leading to a Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
in addition to the music
Music
Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
degree.
Lawrence University originated the idea of freshman studies
Freshman studies
Freshman studies is a required course at many liberal arts colleges in the United States. In general, it is mandatory for all freshman to take at least one or two terms...
. Freshman Studies at Lawrence is a mandatory two-term class, in which all students study the same selected 11 classic works of literature, art, and music. President Nathan M. Pusey
Nathan M. Pusey
Nathan Marsh Pusey was a prominent American university educator.-Early life and education:Pusey was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa to John and Rosa Pusey...
is credited with initiating the program in 1945, although Professor Waples chaired the Freshman Studies Committee and was responsible for implementing the program. The program continues to this day, despite being temporarily suspended in 1974, and has been adapted by many liberal arts colleges.
In 2010, Forbes
Forbes
Forbes is an American publishing and media company. Its flagship publication, the Forbes magazine, is published biweekly. Its primary competitors in the national business magazine category are Fortune, which is also published biweekly, and Business Week...
ranked Lawrence 50th on the list of America's (600) Best Colleges, which combined national research universities, liberal arts colleges, and military academies in a single survey Lawrence is ranked 60th on the U.S. News: List of Best U.S. National Liberal Arts Colleges (the rank was 40 in 2000, 53 in 2006, 59 in 2009, 67 in 2010). Lawrence is included in Loren Pope
Loren Pope
Loren Brooks Pope was an American writer and independent college placement counselor.In 1965, Pope, a former newspaperman and education editor of The New York Times, founded the College Placement Bureau, one of the first independent college placement counseling services in the United States...
's, Colleges That Change Lives
Colleges That Change Lives
Colleges That Change Lives is a college educational guide by Loren Pope. It was originally published in 1996, with a second edition in 2000, and a third edition in 2006...
.
In 2005 Lawrence University initiated a capital campaign called "More Light!", which aimed at raising $150 million. By October 2011 the college has raised $160,272,839, with the conclusion event held on October 28th, 2011.
Milwaukee-Downer traditions
Crataegus
Crataegus , commonly called hawthorn or thornapple, is a large genus of shrubs and trees in the rose family, Rosaceae, native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere in Europe, Asia and North America. The name hawthorn was originally applied to the species native to northern Europe,...
trees (called Hawthornden) between Brokaw and Colman halls, to the sundial
Sundial
A sundial is a device that measures time by the position of the Sun. In common designs such as the horizontal sundial, the sun casts a shadow from its style onto a surface marked with lines indicating the hours of the day. The style is the time-telling edge of the gnomon, often a thin rod or a...
on the back of Main Hall
Main Hall (Lawrence University)
Main Hall is an academic building on the campus of Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. Constructed in 1853, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974....
, to the bestowing upon each class a class color and banner.
When the University had separate offices for a "Dean of Women" and a "Dean of Men", the officer overseeing women students was called the "Dean of Downer." That title is still borne by the senior woman on the faculty, but her only duty now is carrying the Downer mace in academic processions. For many years the women's choir was called the Downer Chorus. At one time the BA was conferred upon women in the name of "Downer College of Lawrence University" and upon men in the name of "Lawrence College of Lawrence University"; now all B.A. degrees are conferred in the name of "Lawrence & Downer Colleges of Lawrence University." (The B.Mus. degree is from "the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music.)
Academics
Academic term
An academic term is a division of an academic year, the time during which a school, college or university holds classes. These divisions may be called terms...
calendar. The academic year runs from mid-September to mid-June.
The student/faculty ratio at Lawrence is 9:1.
Lawrence grants Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees, with a double degree
Double degree
A double-degree program, sometimes called a combined degree, conjoint degree, dual degree, or simultaneous degree program, involves a student's working for two different university degrees in parallel, either at the same institution or at different institutions , completing them in less time than...
possible. Lawrence offers a number of cooperative degree programs in areas such as engineering
Engineering
Engineering is the discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes that safely realize improvements to the lives of...
, health sciences and environmental studies
Environmental studies
Environmental studies is the academic field which systematically studies human interaction with the environment. It is a broad interdisciplinary field of study that includes the natural environment, built environment, and the sets of relationships between them...
.
The college has major programs in most of the liberal arts
Liberal arts
The term liberal arts refers to those subjects which in classical antiquity were considered essential for a free citizen to study. Grammar, Rhetoric and Logic were the core liberal arts. In medieval times these subjects were extended to include mathematics, geometry, music and astronomy...
. The school also offers the option of interdisciplinary areas of study and allows students to design their own majors. All students are required to take Freshman Studies, which introduces students to broad areas of study and provides a common academic experience for the college.
The school has an independent study option that allows students to design their own courses. This allows students to explore academic interests not covered by Lawrence’s classes or to explore topics more deeply. Over 90% of the students take advantage of the independent study program.
In 2005, Lawrence University began the Lawrence Fellows Program, initially selecting eight recent Ph.D.s to teach and carry out research at Lawrence for a period of two to three years. This program seeks to develop the liberal arts faculty of the future.
In the mid-1980s the physics department built a $330,000 small laser laboratory (known as the "laser palace"), which includes 800 5 mW small lasers and more than 500 mirrors.
Conservatory of Music
The Lawrence Conservatory of Music was founded in 1874 and has been a vital part of Lawrence University ever since. The Conservatory offers Bachelor of Music degrees in Performance, Theory/Composition, Music Education, and a five year double degree option that grants both a BM degree from the Conservatory and a BA degree from the College. Approximately 25% of the Lawrence student body, or 350 students, is in the Conservatory. The Conservatory has three choirs, two bands, two jazz ensembles, a symphony orchestra, an improvisation collective, as well as five world music ensembles, and numerous chamber music groups.The Lawrence Conservatory regularly receives national recongnition for the excellence of its student ensembles and individual musicians.
Razed buildings
The college has a long history of razing buildings on its campus, because of the limited land available for constructing new buildings. Many buildings on campus are built on the site of former buildings. Some razed buildings include:Peabody Hall of Music (20th century),
Hamar Union (1960)
Underwood Observatory (1962),
Alexander Gym I (1962),
Carnegie Library (1964),
Worcester Art Center (1987),
Stephenson Hall of Science (1998),
Hulbert House (2004),
Student body
Lawrence enrolls about 1,500 students who hail from nearly every U.S. state. The total enrollment in academic year 2010-2011 was 1,566 students, the largest student body in Lawrence University's history. Over 75% of the students identify as white. About 12% of the students are international studentInternational student
According to Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development , international students are those who travel to a country different from their own for the purpose of tertiary study. Despite that, the definition of international students varies in each country in accordance to their own national...
s. About 25% of students study in the conservatory of music.
Athletics
In 2005-06, the Lawrence men's basketball team was ranked number one in NCAA Division III for much of the season, after starting the season unranked. The team was the only undefeated team in all divisions of college basketball for the last six weeks of the season, ending with a record of 25-1. Star forward Chris Braier won the Josten's Award as the top player in the country for both playing ability and community service. Coach John Tharp was named Division III Midwest Coach of the Year. Attendance increased to capacity for home games, causing local fire officials to demand that Lawrence cap attendance for the NCAA tournament games that Lawrence would host. The university decided to issue passes to attendees. Following their win of the Midwest Conference Tournament in 2009, the Vikings have qualified for the NCAA Division III National Tournament in five of the last six years. Their best finish was in 2004 when they lost in the Elite 8 to eventual national champion University of Wisconsin–Stevens PointUniversity of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
The University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point is a public university located in Stevens Point, Wisconsin...
82-81 in overtime at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash.
In 2011 Lawremces men's cross country team won the Midwest Conference Championships for the first time since 1985, beating Grinell college and ending their 14 year winning streak.
University presidents
- 1849-1853 William Harkness Sampson, principal
- 1853-1859 Edward CookeEdward CookeEdward Tiffin Cook, Jr. was an American athlete who competed in the men's pole vault. He competed at the 1908 Summer Olympics and tied for gold with fellow American vaulter Alfred Gilbert....
, president - 1859-1865 Russell Zelotes Mason, president
- 1865-1879 George McKendree Steele, president
- 1879-1883 Elias DeWitt HuntleyElias DeWitt HuntleyElias Dewitt Huntley was a Methodist clergyman who served as Chaplain of the Senate.- Early life :Elias Dewitt Huntley, was born April 19, 1840, in Elmira, New York, the son of Frances Tooker and Elias Sanford Huntley...
, president - 1883-1889 Bradford Paul Raymond, president
- 1889-1893 Charles Wesley Gallagher, president
- 1893-1894 L. Wesley Underwood, acting president
- 1894-1924 Samuel G. PlantzSamuel G. PlantzSamuel G. Plantz was a Methodist minister and seventh president of Lawrence University.He was born in Gloversville, New York on June 13, 1859, second child of James and Elsie Ann Plantz. He was raised in Emerald Grove, Rock Co, Wisconsin. He attended Milton College, and received his Bachelor of...
, president - 1924-1925 Wilson Samuel Naylor, acting president
- 1925-1937 Henry Merritt WristonHenry WristonHenry Merritt Wriston was a United States' educator, presidential advisor, and served as president at both Brown University and Lawrence University.-Biography:...
, president - 1937-1943 Thomas Nichols Barrows, president
- 1943-1944 Ralph Jerome Watts, acting president
- 1944-1953 Nathan Marsh Pusey, president
- 1954-1963 Douglas Maitland KnightDouglas KnightDouglas Maitland Knight was an American educator, businessman and author. He was a former president of both Lawrence University and Duke University....
, president - 1963-1969 Curtis William Tarr, president
- 1969-1979 Thomas S. SmithThomas S. SmithThomas S. Smith , served as the 13th president of Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, USA, from 1969 to 1979.Smith came to Lawrence from Ohio University, where he had spent two years as provost, assuming the president’s office on July 1, 1969...
, president - 1979-2004 Richard WarchRichard WarchRichard Warch is an American professor, ordained minister and academic. He served as the 14th president of Lawrence University.Warch was raised in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey. He received his bachelor's degree in history from Williams College in 1961...
, president - 2004–present Jill Beck, president
Notable faculty
- Chris BosioChris BosioChristopher Louis Bosio is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Milwaukee Brewers and Seattle Mariners from to and a current major league pitching coach...
, baseball coach - Mark Catlin, Sr., football coach
- Richard N. CurrentRichard N. CurrentRichard Nelson Current is an American historian.-Life:He graduated from Oberlin College, from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy with an M.A., and from the University of Wisconsin with a Ph.D. in history in 1940...
, historian - Charles B. SchudsonCharles B. Schudson-Biography:Schudson was born Charles Benjamin Schudson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1950. He is graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Wisconsin Law School. Schudson and his wife, Karen, have two children, one of whom is a rabbi.-Career:...
, judge - Arthur ThrallArthur ThrallArthur Thrall is an American painter and printmaker. His works have been shown in more than 500 exhibits in the USA and abroad including England, Finland, Germany, and numerous US embassies...
, artist
Notable alumni
- Martha BablitchMartha Bablitch-Biography:Babltich was born on October 28, 1944 in Lawrence, Kansas. Her mother, Maxine, also had a career in law. Bablitch grew up in Ypsilanti, Michigan and moved to Wisconsin to attend Lawrence University. She later graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School. She was married to...
, Judge of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals - John Miller BaerJohn Miller BaerJohn Miller Baer was a U.S. Representative from North Dakota.Born at Black Creek, Wisconsin, Baer attended the public schools.He was graduated from Lawrence University, Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1909....
, 1909, Congressman from North DakotaNorth DakotaNorth Dakota is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States of America, along the Canadian border. The state is bordered by Canada to the north, Minnesota to the east, South Dakota to the south and Montana to the west. North Dakota is the 19th-largest state by area in the U.S.... - Melvin BaldwinMelvin BaldwinMelvin Riley Baldwin was a Representative from Minnesota.-Early life and education:Baldwin was born near Chester, Vermont, on April 12, 1838 and moved with his parents to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in 1847. He attended the common schools there and entered Lawrence University, Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1855...
, Congressman from MinnesotaMinnesotaMinnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state... - Myrt BasingMyrt BasingMyrt Basing was a halfback in the National Football League.-Career:Basing played with the Green Bay Packers for five seasons. He played at the collegiate level at Lawrence University.-References:...
, NFL player - Jennifer BaumgardnerJennifer BaumgardnerJennifer Baumgardner is an author, filmmaker, and third-wave feminist activist.-Early and personal life:Baumgardner grew up in Fargo, North Dakota and attended Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, graduating in 1992...
, 1992, feminist writer and activist - Sam BarrySam BarryJustin McCarthy "Sam" Barry was an American collegiate athletic coach who achieved significant accomplishments in three major sports. He remains one of only three coaches to lead teams to both the Final Four and the College World Series.-Early career:Barry was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota...
, college basketball and baseball coach (attended) - Lynn BerryLynn BerryLynn Berry was the editor-in-chief of The Moscow Times, the leading English-language daily in Russia, until June 2006. She was replaced by former deputy editor Andrew McChesney...
, 1981, editor-in-chief of the Moscow Times - Lisle BlackbournLisle BlackbournLisle "Liz" Blackbourn was an American football coach who was the third head coach of the Green Bay Packers. He coached the Packers from 1954 to 1957....
, 1925, NFL head coach - Champ BoettcherChamp BoettcherChamp Boettcher was a fullback in the National Football League. He played with the Racine Tornadoes during the 1926 NFL season.-References:...
, NFL player - Webster E. BrownWebster E. BrownWebster Everett Brown was a U.S. Representative from Wisconsin.Born near Peterboro, New York, in Madison County, Brown moved with his parents to Wisconsin in 1857....
, Congressman from Wisconsin (attended) - Bonnie BryantBonnie BryantBonnie Bryant is an American author of children's and young adult books. She is best known for authoring the intermediate horse blok series The Saddle Club, which was published by Bantam Books from October 1988 until November 2001.-The Saddle Club:The Saddle Club chronicles the adventures of...
, 1968, author of children's books - Louis B. Butler, Jr., 1973, associate justice of the Wisconsin Supreme CourtWisconsin Supreme CourtThe Wisconsin Supreme Court is the highest appellate court in the state of Wisconsin. The Supreme Court has jurisdiction over original actions, appeals from lower courts, and regulation or administration of the practice of law in Wisconsin.-Location:...
- Paul DriessenPaul DriessenPaul Driessen may refer to:*Paul Driessen , American author and lobbyist*Paul Driessen Dutch film director, animator and writer...
, 1970, author and lobbyist - Dale DuesingDale DuesingDale Duesing is an American baritone. As an opera singer he has had an international career spanning five decades.Duesing grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He studied piano throughout childhood, and enrolled at Lawrence University majoring in piano performance...
, 1967, operatic baritoneBaritoneBaritone is a type of male singing voice that lies between the bass and tenor voices. It is the most common male voice. Originally from the Greek , meaning deep sounding, music for this voice is typically written in the range from the second F below middle C to the F above middle C Baritone (or... - Cynthia EstlundCynthia EstlundCynthia Estlund is the Catherine A. Rein Professor of Law at the New York University School of Law.She teaches Labor Law, Employment Law, and Property Law and has published numerous articles on the subject of Labor and Employment...
, 1978, law professor and author - Edna FerberEdna FerberEdna Ferber was an American novelist, short story writer and playwright. Her novels were especially popular and included the Pulitzer Prize-winning So Big , Show Boat , and Giant .-Early years:Ferber was born August 15, 1885, in Kalamazoo, Michigan,...
, author and playwright (attended) - James A. FrearJames A. FrearJames Archibald Frear was a U.S. Representative from Wisconsin.Born in Hudson, Wisconsin, in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, Frear attended the public schools, and Lawrence University, Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1878....
, Congressman from Wisconsin (attended) - William FullerWilliam Fuller (poet)William Fuller is a U.S. poet born in Barrington, Illinois. He received his bachelor’s degree magna cum laude in English from Lawrence University in 1975. In 1983, Fuller received a Ph.D...
, 1975, Poet and senior vice president and chief fiduciary officerFiduciary managementFiduciary management is an approach to asset management that involves an asset owner appointing a third party to manage the total assets of the asset owner on an integrated basis through a combination of advisory and delegated investment services, with a view to achieving the asset owner's overall...
of Northern Trust Corporation - John Rankin GambleJohn Rankin GambleJohn Rankin Gamble was a lawyer and politician from South Dakota. He was born in Alabama, New York in 1848, and was the brother of Robert J. Gamble and uncle of Ralph Abernethy Gamble....
, 1872, Congressman from South DakotaSouth DakotaSouth Dakota is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is named after the Lakota and Dakota Sioux American Indian tribes. Once a part of Dakota Territory, South Dakota became a state on November 2, 1889. The state has an area of and an estimated population of just over... - Robert J. GambleRobert J. GambleRobert Jackson Gamble was a U.S. Representative and Senator from South Dakota. He was the father of Ralph Abernethy Gamble and brother of John Rankin Gamble....
, 1874, Congressman from South Dakota - Carl GiordanaCarl GiordanaCarl F. Giordana gained recognition as a remarkable athlete and activist in his community.-Biography:Giordana was born and raised in Kaukauna, Wisconsin where he attended Kaukauna High School and was most notably remembered for playing American football and basketball for the Galloping Ghosts.He...
, 1948, Intercollegiate Athletic Hall of Fame inductee - Ed GlickEd GlickEdward Isadore Glick was a professional American football back in the National Football League. He played one season for the Green Bay Packers . He played at the collegiate level at Lawrence University and Marquette University.-References:...
, NFL player (attended) - Walter Samuel GoodlandWalter Samuel GoodlandWalter Samuel Goodland was an American politician and the 31st Governor of Wisconsin. He was a Republican. He attended Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin....
, governor of WisconsinGovernor of WisconsinThe Governor of Wisconsin is the highest executive authority in the government of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The position was first filled by Nelson Dewey on June 7, 1848, the year Wisconsin became a state...
(attended) - Suzanne GraffSuzanne Graff-Biography:A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Graff has performed onstage for several seasons at the American Folklore Theatre in shows such as Lumberjacks in Love which became one of the company's biggest box office hits....
, actress - Michael P. HammondMichael P. HammondMichael P. Hammond was an American musician, educator, and eighth chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts.-Early life:...
, 1954, chairman of the National Endowment for the ArtsNational Endowment for the ArtsThe National Endowment for the Arts is an independent agency of the United States federal government that offers support and funding for projects exhibiting artistic excellence. It was created by an act of the U.S. Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government. Its current... - Lorena HickokLorena HickokLorena Alice Hickok was an American journalist and confidante of Eleanor Roosevelt. Her relationship with Roosevelt has been the subject of research.-Early life:...
, confidante of Eleanor RooseveltEleanor RooseveltAnna Eleanor Roosevelt was the First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945. She supported the New Deal policies of her husband, distant cousin Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and became an advocate for civil rights. After her husband's death in 1945, Roosevelt continued to be an international...
(attended) - Earnest HootonEarnest HootonEarnest Albert Hooton was a U.S. physical anthropologist known for his work on racial classification and his popular writings such as the book Up From The Ape...
, 1903, physical anthropologist - Thomas R. HuddThomas R. HuddThomas Richard Hudd was a U.S. Representative from Wisconsin.Born in Buffalo, New York, Hudd moved with his mother to Chicago, Illinois, in 1842 and to Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1853....
, Congressman from Wisconsin (attended) - Bruce IglauerBruce IglauerBruce Iglauer is the American founder and head of the independent blues record label Alligator Records in Chicago.Iglauer was born in Ann Arbor and grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Cincinnati, Ohio...
, Founder of Chicago's Alligator RecordsAlligator RecordsAlligator Records is a Chicago-based independent blues record label founded by Bruce Iglauer in 1971.Iglauer started the label with his own savings to record and produce his favorite band Hound Dog Taylor & The HouseRockers, whom his employer, Bob Koester of Delmark Records, declined to record... - Lester JohnsonLester JohnsonLester Roland Johnson was a U.S. Representative from Wisconsin.-Biography:Born in Brandon, Wisconsin, Johnson attended the public schools and Lawrence University from 1919 to 1921....
, Congressman from Wisconsin - Jeffrey JonesJeffrey JonesJeffrey Duncan Jones is an American actor. He has appeared in many films and television series, but may be best known for his roles as Emperor Joseph II in Miloš Forman’s Amadeus, Charles Deetz in Beetlejuice, and Dean of Students Edward R...
, 1968, actor - Win JonesWin JonesWin Jones is a watercolor painter based in St. Augustine, Florida, and Washington Island, Wisconsin. Several galleries in the Midwest and Florida show his work...
, 1956, watercolor painter - Scott Klug, 1975 former congressman from WisconsinWisconsinWisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
- Eddie KotalEddie KotalEdward Louis "Eddie" Kotal was a player in the National Football League.-Career:Kotal played with the Green Bay Packers for five seasons...
, National Football LeagueNational Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
player - Barbara LawtonBarbara LawtonBarbara Lawton is an American politician from Green Bay, Wisconsin and member of the Democratic Party. She was the Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin. She became the first woman elected to the position in 2002, as the running mate of former Democratic Governor Jim Doyle...
, 1987, Lieutenant Governor of WisconsinLieutenant Governor of WisconsinThe Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin is the first person in the order of succession of Wisconsin's executive branch, thus serving as governor in the event of the death, resignation, removal, impeachment, absence from the state, or incapacity due to illness of the Governor of Wisconsin... - Fred LerdahlFred LerdahlAlfred Whitford Lerdahl is the Fritz Reiner Professor of Musical Composition at Columbia University, and a composer and music theorist best known for his work on pitch space and cognitive constraints on compositional systems or "musical grammar[s]." He has written many orchestral and chamber...
, 1965, composerComposerA composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
and music theoristMusic theoryMusic theory is the study of how music works. It examines the language and notation of music. It seeks to identify patterns and structures in composers' techniques across or within genres, styles, or historical periods... - John A. Luke, Jr.John A. Luke, Jr.-Career:John A. Luke, Jr. has served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MeadWestvaco Corporation since 2002. Previously, he was the President and Chief Executive Officer from 2002 to 2003 and Chairman, President, and CEO of Westvaco Corporation from 1996 to 2002...
, 1971, CEO of MeadWestvacoMeadWestvacoMeadWestvaco Corp. is an American packaging solutions company based in Richmond, Virginia. It has approximately 23,000 employees. In February 2006, it moved its corporate headquarters to Richmond, Virginia... - John McDonaldJohn McDonald (American football)John McDonald was a player in the National Football League. He was a member of the Evansville Crimson Giants and the Louisville Colonels.-References:...
, NFL player - James H. McGillanJames H. McGillan-Biography:McGillan was born on January 7, 1870 in Appleton, Wisconsin. He would attend Lawrence University and the University of Wisconsin Law School. Following graduation, he began practicing law in Marinette, Wisconsin. He would marry Gertrude Sommerville. McGillan moved to Green Bay in 1900....
, Mayor of Green Bay, WisconsinGreen Bay, WisconsinGreen Bay is a city in and the county seat of Brown County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, located at the head of Green Bay, a sub-basin of Lake Michigan, at the mouth of the Fox River. It has an elevation of above sea level and is located north of Milwaukee. As of the 2010 United States Census,... - James MerrellJames MerrellJames Hart Merrell is the Lucy Maynard Salmon Professor of History at Vassar College. Professor Merrell is one of the leading scholars of early American history, and has written extensively on Native American history during the colonial era. Professor Merrell is one of only five historians to be...
, 1975, Professor of History at Vassar CollegeVassar CollegeVassar College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college in the town of Poughkeepsie, New York, in the United States. The Vassar campus comprises over and more than 100 buildings, including four National Historic Landmarks, ranging in style from Collegiate Gothic to International,... - John S. MillsJohn S. MillsJohn S. Mills was a Major General in the United States Air Force.-Biography:Mills was born in Appleton, Wisconsin in 1906 and attended Lawrence College. He died on July 4, 1996.-Career:...
, U.S. Air Force Major General - Terry MoranTerry MoranTerry Moran is the co-anchor of Nightline.-Biography:Moran was born in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Lawrence University in 1982.-Professional career:-Career as Correspondent:...
, 1982, chief White House correspondent for ABC NewsABC NewsABC News is the news gathering and broadcasting division of American broadcast television network ABC, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company... - David MulfordDavid MulfordDavid Campbell Mulford is a former United States Ambassador to India. He took office on January 23, 2004, and left office in February 2009.He is currently Vice-Chairman International of Credit Suisse.Mulford was born in Rockford, Illinois...
, 1969, United States Ambassador to IndiaUnited States Ambassador to IndiaAmerican Embassy New Delhi was established Nov 1, 1946, with George R. Merrell as Chargé d'Affaires ad interim.-Chiefs of Mission to India:-See also:*Embassy of India, Washington, D.C.*India – United States relations*Foreign relations of India... - Tom NeffTom NeffThomas Linden Neff, known as Tom Neff, is a film executive, director and producer, born in Chicago, Illinois. Currently, he lives in Nashville, Tennessee.-Education:Neff received his Bachelor of Arts from Lawrence University with a major in English...
, 1975, CEO and founder of The Documentary ChannelDOC: The Documentary ChannelDocumentary Channel is a specialty channel that features documentary programming. It airs independent documentary films from around the world, including those never-before-seen in the United States.... - Justus Henry NelsonJustus Henry NelsonThe Revd Justus Henry Nelson established the first Protestant church in the Amazon basin and was a self-supporting Methodist missionary in Belém, Pará, Brazil for 45 years.-Early years:...
, Methodist missionary in the Amazon (attended) - Harry N. MacLeanHarry N. MacLeanHarry MacLean is a writer and lawyer living in Denver, Colorado who writes true crime books and won an Edgar Award for his book In Broad Daylight.-Early life:...
, 1964, true crime author - Jessica Nelson NorthJessica Nelson NorthJessica Nelson North was an American author, poet and editor.- Early life and family :Jessica Nelson North was born in Madison, Wisconsin, the daughter of David Willard North and Sarah Elizabeth "Elizabeth" North. She grew up on the shore of Lake Koshkonong near to what later became St...
, 1917, author - Rip OwensRip OwensRalph B. "Rip" Owens was a player in the National Football League for the Green Bay Packers in 1922 as a guard. He played at the collegiate level at Lawrence University and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.-References:...
, NFL player (attended) - Alice PeacockAlice PeacockAlice Peacock is an American folk singer and has recorded three independent albums. A native of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, she is based in Chicago, Illinois, where she sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" at U.S...
, 1992 singer-songwriter - Scott ReppertScott ReppertScott Reppert was an American football player. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003....
, 1983, member of the College Football Hall of FameCollege Football Hall of FameThe College Football Hall of Fame is a hall of fame and museum devoted to college football. Located in South Bend, Indiana, it is connected to a convention center and situated in the city's renovated downtown district, two miles south of the University of Notre Dame campus. It is slated to move... - Eben Eugene Rexford, author of stories, poems, songs, and books on gardening (attended)
- Josh SawyerJosh SawyerJoshua Eric Sawyer is a video game designer active in the role playing game genre.-Early life and education:...
- video game designer at Obsidian EntertainmentObsidian EntertainmentObsidian Entertainment is an American video game developer founded in 2003 after the disestablishment of Interplay Productions' Black Isle Studios, for PC and console systems... - Campbell ScottCampbell ScottCampbell Scott is an American actor, director, producer, and voice artist.-Life and career:Scott was born in New York City, the son of George C. Scott, an actor, director, and producer, and Colleen Dewhurst, a Canadian-born actress. He graduated from Lawrence University in 1983. His brother is...
, 1983, actor - Michael ShurtleffMichael ShurtleffMichael Shurtleff was a major force in casting on Broadway during the 1960s and 1970s. He wrote Audition, a book for actors on the audition process...
, 1942, casting director, author - Eric SimonsonEric SimonsonEric Simonson is an American writer and director in theatre, film and opera. He was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical in 1993 for The Song of Jacob Zulu.- Personal life :...
, 1982, Oscar-winning writer-director - Red Smith, 1926, MLB player, NFL player and assistant coach, head coach of the Georgetown HoyasGeorgetown HoyasGeorgetown's nickname is The Hoyas, but its mascot is "Jack the Bulldog." Various breeds of dogs have been used by the sports teams as mascots since the early 1900s. Several notable bull terriers like Sergeant Stubby and "Hoya" were used at football games in the 1920s, as was a Great Dane in the...
football team and Wisconsin Badgers footballWisconsin Badgers footballThe Wisconsin Badgers are a college football program that represents the University of Wisconsin–Madison in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and the Big Ten Conference. They play their home games at Camp Randall Stadium, the fourth-oldest stadium in college football...
team, athletic director of Seton Hall UniversitySeton Hall UniversitySeton Hall University is a private Roman Catholic university in South Orange, New Jersey, United States. Founded in 1856 by Archbishop James Roosevelt Bayley, Seton Hall is the oldest diocesan university in the United States. Seton Hall is also the oldest and largest Catholic university in the... - Janet Steiger, 1961, chairman of the Federal Trade CommissionFederal Trade CommissionThe Federal Trade Commission is an independent agency of the United States government, established in 1914 by the Federal Trade Commission Act...
- Thomas A. SteitzThomas A. Steitz-Publications:* Steitz, T. A., et al. , nsls newsletter, .* Steitz, T. A., et al. , NSLS Activity Report .-External links:* , from the Office of Scientific and Technical Information, United States Department of Energy...
, 1962, professor of molecular biophysics and biochemistry at Yale UniversityYale UniversityYale University is a private, Ivy League university located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701 in the Colony of Connecticut, the university is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States...
, awarded the 2009 Nobel PrizeNobel PrizeThe Nobel Prizes are annual international awards bestowed by Scandinavian committees in recognition of cultural and scientific advances. The will of the Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, established the prizes in 1895...
in chemistry - Fred SturmFred SturmFrederick I. Sturm is a jazz composer, arranger, and teacher.Sturm studied at Lawrence University, the University of North Texas College of Music, and the Eastman School of Music. He played trombone and performed with the jazz nonet Matrix from 1974 to 1977...
, 1973, jazz composer and arranger - William Warner (Missouri)William Warner (Missouri)William Warner was an American lawyer and politician from Kansas City, Missouri. He represented Missouri in both the U.S. House and Senate. He was mayor of Kansas City in 1871-72....
, U.S. Senator from Missouri (attended) - Al ZupekAl ZupekAlbert Ernest Zupek was a fullback in the National Football League who played for the Green Bay Packers. Zupek played collegiate ball for Lawrence University before playing professionally for one season in 1946. He retired that same season.-References:...
, 1944, NFL player